Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Vegetable Skillet

Sizzling, zesty, and bursting with color, this Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Vegetable Skillet brings the vibrant flavors of Louisiana straight to your dinner table. The succulent shrimp and savory sausage are coated in a perfect blend of Cajun spices, creating a harmonious dance of heat and flavor alongside crisp, fresh vegetables. This one-pan wonder combines protein and vegetables in a convenient meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor. You’ll learn how to perfectly season and cook each component to create a restaurant-quality dish that will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Vegetable Skillet is a game-changer for your dinner rotation for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile – you can adjust the spice level to suit your preference while still enjoying the authentic Cajun flavor profile. The combination of tender shrimp that pops with each bite alongside the smoky, meaty sausage creates an irresistible texture contrast.

The rainbow of vegetables not only adds nutritional value but also brings varying textures – from the slight crunch of bell peppers to the tender bite of zucchini. Each forkful delivers a different experience, making every bite exciting.

Perhaps best of all, this entire meal comes together in one skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening. The dish is naturally low-carb and packed with protein, making it perfect for those watching their intake without feeling like you’re missing out on flavor. When the aroma of Cajun spices fills your kitchen, everyone will be drawn to the table before you even announce dinner is ready.

Ingredients

For this delicious Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Vegetable Skillet, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 14 oz (400g) Andouille sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into half-moons
• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 2-3 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

The Andouille sausage brings authentic Cajun flavor with its smoky, slightly spicy profile. For the Cajun seasoning, either use a store-bought blend or make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.

Pro Tips

Balance Your Cooking Times: The secret to a perfect Cajun shrimp and sausage skillet is proper timing. Cook your vegetables in stages based on density – start with onions and firmer vegetables, adding the more delicate ones later. The shrimp should be added last as they cook extremely quickly – about 2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so watch them carefully.

Master the Seasoning Process: Rather than adding all the Cajun seasoning at once, layer it throughout cooking. Season the shrimp separately before cooking, then add another layer to the vegetables, and finish with a final sprinkle at the end. This creates depth of flavor that permeates every component of the dish. Taste before serving and adjust – remember that Andouille sausage already contains salt and spice.

Perfect Your Pan Management: Use a large 12-inch cast iron skillet for this dish if possible. Cast iron retains heat excellently, creating the perfect sear on both the shrimp and sausage. Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the protein – work in batches if necessary. Giving each piece enough space ensures proper browning rather than steaming, which develops those delicious caramelized flavors that make this Cajun skillet dinner truly exceptional.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels – this ensures they’ll sear properly rather than steam. In a small bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Slice your Andouille sausage into even rounds and set aside. Prepare all your vegetables before starting to cook, arranging them in order of cooking time: onions first, followed by bell peppers, then zucchini and squash.

Step 2: Cook the Protein
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced Andouille sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to brown. Transfer to a plate, leaving the flavorful oils in the pan. Add the seasoned shrimp to the same skillet in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Remove to the plate with the sausage.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the red onion and cook for 2 minutes until it begins to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the bell peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but still maintain some crispness. Finally, add the zucchini and yellow squash along with the remaining Cajun seasoning, dried oregano, paprika, and cayenne (if using).

Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the sausage and shrimp to the skillet, gently folding everything together to combine while being careful not to break up the shrimp. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm everything through and allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over individual portions.

Variations

Creole-Style Version: Transform this Cajun shrimp and veggie skillet into a Creole-inspired dish by adding 1 cup of diced tomatoes and reducing the Cajun seasoning slightly. Finish with a splash of cream for richness and a more sauce-like consistency that’s perfect for serving over rice. The tomatoes add a tangy brightness that complements the spice beautifully.

Seafood Extravaganza: Elevate this dish for special occasions by adding other seafood. Replace half the shrimp with 8 ounces of bay scallops, or add 6-8 ounces of lump crab meat during the final minute of cooking. This seafood medley creates a restaurant-worthy dinner that’s sure to impress guests while still maintaining the dish’s quick-cooking appeal.

Keto/Low-Carb Focus: For those following strict low-carb diets, increase the ratio of protein to vegetables by doubling the shrimp and adding cauliflower rice to the skillet during the final few minutes of cooking. This variation maintains the flavor profile while making the dish even more filling and keto-friendly with minimal additional carbs.

Storage and Serving

This Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Vegetable Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat rather than using a microwave, which can make the shrimp tough.

For serving, try this skillet over a bed of steamed white rice or cauliflower rice to soak up the flavorful juices. For a heartier meal, serve alongside crusty French bread or garlic bread for dipping. You can also transform leftovers into a fantastic lunch by tucking the mixture into warm tortillas for Cajun-style wraps or by spooning it over mixed greens for a protein-packed salad.

For a complete Southern-inspired dinner, pair this skillet with a side of buttery cornbread and a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. The cornbread’s sweetness provides a perfect counterpoint to the spicy Cajun flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well! Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning. Pre-cooked frozen shrimp isn’t recommended as it will become overcooked when added to the skillet.

What can I substitute for Andouille sausage?
Kielbasa or smoked chorizo make excellent substitutes if Andouille isn’t available. For a lighter option, try turkey or chicken sausage with additional Cajun seasoning to compensate for the milder flavor.

How can I reduce the spiciness while keeping the flavor?
Reduce the Cajun seasoning to 1 tablespoon and omit the cayenne pepper. You can add a teaspoon of paprika and extra herbs like oregano and thyme to maintain flavor complexity without the heat.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes! Prepare as directed but slightly undercook the vegetables. Cool completely before refrigerating in portions. When reheating, the vegetables will finish cooking without becoming mushy.

What’s the best way to serve this for a larger crowd?
For serving 8-10 people, double the recipe and cook in batches. Keep the first batch warm in a 200°F oven while preparing the second. Combine everything in a large serving dish just before bringing to the table.

Conclusion

This Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Vegetable Skillet is comfort food at its finest — colorful, bold, and bursting with Louisiana-inspired flavors that dance across your palate. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special while still being practical enough for regular rotation in your meal planning. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this one-pan wonder strikes the perfect balance between impressive and effortless. Give it a try tonight and bring a taste of the bayou to your dinner table!

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